At the Seams

Chapter 15: Day 4 - 7:44 pm

Chapter 15: Day 4 - 7:44 pm

Sam stumbles into the house. He is a man lost in suitcases, exhausted from the litany of questions that have poured from Ginger's mouth since he met her at baggage claim. He stopped trying to answer the questions a few minutes in. She didn't want information so much as she wanted to fill the time and quiet with distracting noise. Everyone has their own way of coping, Sam told himself, trying not to snap at her. At least now he can rid himself of Ginger and her baggage.

Sam no sooner drops the luggage and sends Ginger up to Mary, than Simon jumps up and down in front of him. "Mary's EEG has changed. I don't know what it means yet, so don't ask. I really want to talk to you about Jay.”

Sam fears the worst."What's wrong with Jay?"

Simon gives Sam a contemptuous look, holding up his bandaged right arm. "Nothing's wrong with Jay," he says, "but my wrist is another story."

"Holy shit, Simon, what happened?"

"Jay bit me, hard. I think he's developing some weird attachment to Mary, becoming hyper-defensive of her. I think we should separate them."

"What? Simon, no. Jay had a messed up week just like the rest of us. He's just acting out. Everything's going to be fine."

Simon gazes flatly at Sam. "A likely explanation, really, but it was strange, Sam. He only bit me once, and only when I was interacting with Mary. After I cleaned up the wound, I made peace with him. Just walked right up to him. He showed zero aggression. He licked the bandage, even got up to lick my face. He's a good dog, Sam. You should still separate them."

"Simon, I am not taking that dog from his Mama; he wouldn't understand, and neither would Mary, if she were awake."

Simon shrugs. "Have it your way, but be careful how you behave with Mary. And Jay doesn't know Ginger, so you better get up there and chaperone. I'm taking Mary's file and EEG reading to the hospital. Dr. Olivette's going to meet me there. I'll tell you more when I know." Simon heads out, speaking once more, over his shoulder, before closing the door. "You're going to regret not doing something about Jay, now. I'm just sayin'."

Sam heads upstairs to "chaperone," as Simon had suggested. Ginger sits by Mary's bed, one hand on her daughter's arm, the other hand absently rubbing Jay's head, which rests on Mary's chest. His eyes are half-closed, his look of deep contentment. Sam had suspected before that Simon was being melodramatic; now Sam is certain. Jay poses no more danger than does Mary.

Sam walks to the bed and sits in the other chair, near Jay. He pets the Dobie, cooing his name softly. Jay, his tail wagging, sits up and turns, licks Sam's hand and face. "How's Mama, boy?" Sam asks. Jay replies with a low woof.

Ginger laughs. "He certainly loves his Mama."

"Yes, he does," Sam replies, grinning. "Apparently, he likes you, too."

"Ah, well, he just knows I'm family. We all smell the same." Sam smiles gently at Ginger's silly sentimentality.

Ginger and Sam share a peaceful, comfortable moment, dwelling in communion on their love for Mary and her devoted friend. After an eternity, Ginger asks, "Does he stay with her all the time?"

"Pretty much, unless he's going to the bathroom. He's even taken to eating here."

"What a great dog," Ginger murmurs, rubbing Jay more enthusiastically.

"Yeah, he's definitely Mary's baby." Sam pauses. "I should give you some time with your daughter. I'll be downstairs. I’ll tell Vikki to give you a bit before Mary's physical therapy and such. Do you need anything before I go?"